A CPF number is a tax registration number which you will require eventually when you purchase a property here in Brazil. Many websites and agents you visit or speak to will suggest you use their services to acquire one of these, they might charge you, or in the case of others make out it is a laborious process. If you choose to apply for yourself for a CPF, it is a process you can do in person , you will receive the number which you can use for purchases of certain items in Brazil, and if you would like an official card with your number on it, it will cost you about five Brazilian Reais, (£2). Of course it is good to have a CPF, especially if you start visiting Brazil regularly. But you do not need it right away, and we will be happy to assist you. It will take a morning of your time in Natal (with some assistance). If you prefer, you can apply for a CPF outside of Brazil at the following website: http://www.receita.fazenda.gov.br/Aplicacoes/ATCTA/CpfEstrangeiro/cpfingles.htm On this website you will need to fill out a simple form and take it into one of the many Brazilian consulates located throughout Europe and America with your passport and official birth certificate. To see the list of Brazilian Consulates addresses, click: http://www.brazilsf.org/other_consulates_eng.htmIt takes roughly two to three months to get your CPF number this way. You can safely buy a Villa or house without a CPF. It is more important to do the more important matters in a secure way, than to focus too much on  the CPF too early. Having a CPF will not protect you in any way. You need a CPF once you sell your house or when you go for the deed. You do not need it to buy a property or to register your contract.